Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjilekal issued a big statement about Nitish Kumar Reddy’s absence in the fourth Test match against the UK. Manjrekar said Reddy’s absence would not create any major imbalances in Play XI, adding that he could benefit from replacing him with a professional batsman.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was removed from the remaining two Test matches of the ongoing series after suffering a left knee injury. The 22-year-old returns to India to begin his recovery as confirmed by the board. Reddy scored 43 runs and scored three wickets in both innings in the Lord’s third Test.
The absence of Nitish Kumar Reddy doesn’t create much imbalance – Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that Nitish Kumar Reddy had a limited impact on the ball in the previous match. Manjrekar added that India should consider replacing Reddy with a specialist batsman.
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“I don’t think that would create a big imbalance or suddenly weaken the Indian team as a bowler as Nitish Kumar Reddy, but Akash Deep was out of color.
“Maybe India should replace him with a pure batsman because we saw a collapse in the previous game. We were a bit lacking in batting in that run chase,” he added.
Old Trafford may have cloudy conditions – Saint Jayman Gillecal
Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Manchester’s pitch can prefer Prashid Krishna’s bowling style. However, Manjrekar added that India should go with Anshul Kamboj to form a pace trio with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
“Old Trafford may have cloudy conditions. Then you need a simple bowler. Prashid Krishna is suitable for those with bounce on the pitch and have been experiencing a little.
India is fighting several injuries ahead of the 4th Test
India has been battling several injuries ahead of its fourth Test, with fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh excluded. The team added Anshul Kamboji, a non-paceed pacer that can make his Test debut.
Kamboj was impressed by his performance in domestic cricket. He scored 34 wickets on an impressive average of 13.79 in just six matches during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. Overall, he averaged 22.88 and scored 79 wickets from 24 first class matches.
The young pacer was also featured in India before the main series. Prashid Krishna, who played the first two tests but was dropped due to poor shape, remains an alternative. However, the team may support Kamboj, taking into account both his recent form and potential.
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